Stay in the US with a Key West Florida Honeymoon Cruise

by Shannon Kietzman, writer for Your Wedding Place.com

A Key West Florida cruise can provide you and your honey with an exotic getaway without ever needing to leave the states. This well-known port has a reputation for its relaxing, yet party filled atmosphere and can be a great spot for newlywed couples to unwind and spend time together.

Arriving at Key West Florida

A stop at Key West Florida is common with a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary. The fact that it is so near to many Florida departure ports, including Tampa and Florida, makes it almost a natural stopover. In addition, this makes it easy to include a Key West Florida cruise in shorter voyages of just four or five days.

There are a number of docking points for a Key West Florida cruise ship. Exactly where your ship docks will depend upon the size of your ship and the number of ships arriving that day. The small shopping center of Mallory Square can be directly accessed by smaller ships, while larger ships may dock at the U.S. Navy Base or the Hilton Resort’s Pier B. Before embarking on a Key West Florida cruise, it is best to know that:

• Key West is a part of Florida and, therefore, English is the official language and the United States dollar is the official currency.
• The island is on Eastern Time. Therefore, most attractions, restaurants, and stores will not be open if you arrive before 9:00 am.

What to Do and See While on a Key West Florida Cruise

While on a Key West Florida cruise, you can enjoy many popular activities such as golfing, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and riding in glass bottom boats. Although the island is only two miles wide and four miles long, there are plenty of other activities to engage in, such as:

• Southernmost Points – This landmark is found at the end of Whitehead Street, which is at the edge of the naval base. It marks the southernmost point of the United States and includes an oversized marker for great photographs.
• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – This bar is found on Duval Street and offers signature foods, drinks, and tacky souvenirs.
• Duval Street – This street is known throughout the world for its outrageously themed bars, but also offers refreshments, shopping, and entertainment.
• Key West Cemetery – This 21-acre whimsical cemetery located of Olivia Street offers tombstones with sayings such as “At Least I Know Where He Is Sleeping Tonight” and “I Told You I Was Sick.”
• Hemingway House – If you are your sweety is a Hemmingway fan, you will enjoy a tour of this historical home. There are also numerous polydactyl, or many-toed, cats on the premises – all of which are descendents of Hemmingway’s cats.
• Harry S. Truman Little White House – Tours are available for a minimum charge through this 32nd President’s 1940s style vacation home.
• Key West Aquarium – This Aquarium was the first tourist attraction offered in Key West. Today, it offers a touch tank including conch, starfish, and sea urchins.
• Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe – At this lesser known attraction, you can purchase a variety of lime treats, including fudge, cookies, hard candy, taffy, pie, jelly beans, juice, and novelty souvenirs.
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum – This museum is located near Mallory Square and offers educational glimpses into sunken treasures that have been recovered from several Spanish galleons.

A Key West Florida Cruise is one of the few United States ports visited by mainstream cruise lines. The culture, architecture, and general fun atmosphere makes it a great stop on your honeymoon cruise.

© 2006 Your Wedding Place.com